Feel Good Friday: A Trip to Longleat with Discovery
This week’s Feel-Good Friday brings a heartwarming story of adventure, fun and connection at Longleat, where Discovery’s supported volunteers and Active 18 members, all disabled adults, had the chance to explore one of the UK’s most iconic safari parks. The trip was a long-awaited experience, with the group excitedly choosing Longleat as the destination because it was somewhere they all really wanted to visit. And what an adventure it turned out to be!
The group set of early in the morning, full of anticipation, ready for a day filled with laughter, learning and some very special animal encounters. From the moment, they arrived, it was clear that this would be a day to remember.
Boat Ride Fun and Animal Encounters
The day began with a boat ride where everyone got the chance to feed the sea lions. Afterward, the group explored Longleat’s famous animal exhibits, where they saw a variety of animals up close, including majestic gorillas, playful monkeys, and more exotic creatures.
One of the highlights of the trip was the drive through safari, where the group saw Zebras, Lions and even tigers. It was a surreal experience, with everyone taking in the sights and sounds of these incredible animals. But it wasn’t just the big cats and zebras that got everyone talking- there were plenty of laughs when the group witnessed some monkeys climbing onto the cars!
Feeding the Birds and a Serenade
Another memorable moment came when the group spent time feeding the birds. There were plenty of photos taken as the birds perched and fluttered around, clearly enjoying the attention. One of the members even began serenading the birds as if they were a companion, a sweet and playful gesture that brought smiles to everyone. Moments like these truly highlighted the individuality and creativity of the group, making the trip all the more special.
The Hedge Maze Adventure
No trip to Longleat would be complete without a visit to the famous hedge maze, and the group took it on with enthusiasm. Howverm navigating the maze wasn’t as easy as it seemed! At one point, they weren’t quite sure which way to go, so they decided to ask one of the staff members for help. The answer? A simple and straight-to-the-point ‘that way.’
Sensory- Friendly Signs
One of the features of Longleat that made a real impact on the group was the introduction of sensory signs outside all the exhibits. These signs provided helpful information about the environment, such as noise levels, lighting and temperature, which allowed everyone to prepare for what they were going to experience. It was a thoughtful addition that made the day more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone, showing how inclusive Longleat is for visitors of all abilities.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g7ye0r20ko
Luke’s thoughts on Discovery
As part of the trip, we spoke to Luke, a member of the Discovery community, about why he thinks others with disabilities or autism should join Discovery. He shared some heartfelt thoughts on how Discovery provides opportunities for individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences. Luke said it helps “to give an opportunity to chat to people with disabilities or autism.” Additionally, To help build social skills with other people with autism or disabilities.” Finally, “To give an opportunity to make friends with them”
Luke’s words truly capture the essence of what Discovery is all about- creating a welcoming and supportive community where individuals can grow, learn and make lasting friendships.
A trip to remember
The trip to Longleat was not only a fantastic day of fun and exploration, but it also highlighted the power of shared experiences. From the animal encounters to the laughter-filled moments, it was clear that everyone had a great time. The trip to Longleat was not only a fantastic day of fun and exploration, but it also highlighted the power of shared experiences. From the animal encounters to the laughter-filled moments, it was clear that everyone had a great time.
We highly recommend Longleat for future Discovery trips—it’s a place where every individual can find something special to enjoy. The sensory signs, animal interactions, and inclusive environment truly made this trip one for the books.
Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible, and to the amazing staff at Longleat for making the day even more enjoyable for everyone. We can’t wait for the next adventure!
#FeelGoodFriday#LongleatSafari